by Michele Krauss

What’s The Difference between UVA and UVB Rays?
No doubt you’ve read these initials on sunscreens for most of your life, but do you really know the difference?The rays of the sun which cause damage to both skin and eyes are the invisible UVA and UVB rays. UVB causes initial damage to the skin’s outer layer or epidermis, because it has a shorter wavelength than UVA. However, UVA rays penetrate into the deeper dermal layers and cause such things as premature aging and wrinkles.

UVB rays make your skin turn red and feel hot. They act as an early warning to get out of the sun or slather more sunscreen on your body. UVA rays are not only silent, but account for 80 percent of ultraviolet damage to the skin. UVA light penetrates windows of cars and buildings, whether the sun’s out or not, and they leave no visible signature on your skin. This is perhaps the number one reason dermatologists strongly suggest wearing sunscreen all the time, even on cloudy days.

What You Need To Know About Melanoma
Melanoma is different from other skin cancers because it has a tendency to spread to other parts of the body. Once it reaches vital organs, melanoma is very difficult to treat, and can be lethal.

Melanoma cells produce melanin, the skin-coloring agent, causing this type of cancer to be tan, brown and black. It may appear suddenly, but most often it occurs near a mole or a dark spot on the skin. It is essential that you know the location of moles on your body, so that you can recognize any change in their size, shape and color.

Warning Signs of Melanoma
People who spend lots of time outdoors are obviously more at risk than others. It’s essential that you remain familiar with your body’s moles and markings. Finding changes in existing skin growths or the appearance of new growths is the best way to find skin cancer early. The American Academy of Dermatology recommends using a full-length mirror as well as a hand mirror. Look for these early warning signs:
● Any unusual skin condition, especially changes in size or color of a mole, pigmented growth or spot.
● Oozing, bleeding or changes in the appearance of a bump or nodule.
● The spread of pigmentation beyond its border.
● A change in sensation such as itchiness, tenderness or pain. If any of these warning signs exist, consult your physician — early detection is critical!

Don’t Forget Your Eyes
Will expensive sunglasses protect your eyes better than cheaper brands? Sure, many times you’re paying for sleek design or a particular label, but when it comes to function, are you making the right choice?

The Mayo Clinic recommends sunglasses that provide 100 percent UV protection. Ultraviolet (UV) radiation from the sun can damage your eyes as well as your skin. Strong sunlight can burn the corneas. Also, long-term exposure to UV radiation can contribute to eye disease, especially cataracts. If the sunglasses don’t say anything about UV protection, it’s best to opt for another pair.

The Mayo Clinic also offers these tips on different sunglasses buzzwords:
● Polarized lenses: These lenses provide protection against glare, but they don’t meet the standards for UV protection unless they have additional UV blocking material built in.
● Polycarbonate lenses: These are a great choice for children and athletes, because they protect the eyes against impact injuries during sports and play. They also shield the eyes from UV radiation.
● Blue-blocking lenses: These lenses are sometimes promoted for their sun-blocking abilities. But these lenses also block red, amber, and blue light. Not the best choice for driving, obviously.
● Photochromic lenses: A superior type of lens that protects the eyes from UV rays, glare and sun while maintaining visual accuracy. They also do not distort color.

Skin Cancer Stats for Men
● The majority of people diagnosed with melanoma are white men over the age of 50.
● Skin cancer is the #1 cancer in men over age 50, ahead of prostate, lung and colon cancer.
● Middle-aged and older men have the poorest track record for performing monthly skin self- exams or regularly visiting a dermatologist. They are the least likely individuals to detect melanoma in its early stages.
● Men over age 40 spend the most time outdoors and have the highest annual exposure to ultraviolet radiation.
*Source: Skin Cancer Foundation

Treating a Sunburn
If you’re just home from a day in the sun, and the damage is done, there are several ways to minimize discomfort.
● DO take a cool bath or shower. You can also place cold, wet washcloths over the burn for 10 to 15 minutes several times a day. Baking soda mixed into the water will help.
● DO apply a non-greasy, soothing lotion to the skin. Formulations containing aloe are especially helpful. Pure aloe gel is ideal. Aloe contains active compounds that lessen pain and inflammation in the skin.
● DO take an over-the-counter pain medication like acetaminophen or ibuprofen.
● DON’T apply petroleum jelly, benzocaine, lidocaine or butter to the burn. They can make symptoms worse and can prevent healing.
● DON’T wash affected area with harsh soap.

Turn Back Time
The “Pearl” laser treatment is a newer procedure that uses laser technology to treat sun damage, uneven texture, brown spots and fine lines. In a procedure that lasts only fifteen minutes, gentle pulses of light are sent to the epidermis. The laser’s heat is directed at deeper layers of skin, stimulating longer-term collagen growth. Skin will look and feel slightly sunburned afterward, and by the third or fourth day, the protective layer will peel away to reveal a fresh new layer of skin.